Groin pain is one of the most common presentations of hip joint pathology. Because multiple structures converge in the groin, accurate diagnosis is the most important step toward effective treatment.
Reviewed byProf Paul Lee MBBch, FRCS (Tr & Orth), PhDLast reviewed 1 May 2026
Groin pain in the context of hip pathology typically arises from conditions within the hip joint itself. However, the groin is also where muscles, tendons, and other structures overlap, making differential diagnosis important.
Identifying the source of groin pain requires a systematic approach. Many patients have been treated for the wrong cause before reaching us.
Once the cause is identified, treatment can be targeted precisely. At London Cartilage Clinic, we offer the full range of conservative, biological, and surgical options for hip-related groin pain.
You may have more options than you think
At London Cartilage Clinic we follow a structured clinical framework across four areas of treatment. Before recommending a single procedure, we assess which combination of approaches gives you the best outcome.
Protect what you have. Slow degeneration and manage symptoms.
Fix specific damage. Torn tissue, unstable joints, structural problems.
Rebuild lost tissue. Biological treatments that stimulate new growth.
When other options are exhausted. Joint replacement as a last resort.
Explore the full range of treatments available for your joint. Each hub page shows every option we offer, organised by clinical approach.
The hip joint is located deep in the groin. Pain from the hip joint itself, including labral tears, cartilage damage, and impingement, is typically felt in the front of the hip and groin. This is different from muscular groin strains, which are usually felt more superficially.
Our assessment combines a detailed history, clinical examination with specific provocation tests, and advanced imaging (X-ray and MRI arthrogram). Diagnostic injections into the hip joint under image guidance can confirm whether the joint is the source of pain.
Yes. Groin pain can originate from the hip joint, the adductor muscles, the pubic symphysis, an inguinal hernia, or referred pain from the spine. Accurate diagnosis is essential because each cause requires a different treatment approach.
Treatment depends on the cause. Options include targeted physiotherapy, injection therapy (steroid, PRP, or hyaluronic acid), biological treatments such as mFat, and hip arthroscopy for structural problems like labral tears and FAI. The right treatment follows from an accurate diagnosis.
Still have more specific concerns?
Free Discovery CallLondon Cartilage Clinic
Clinical updates, cartilage treatment guidance, and recovery-focused articles from our specialist team.
Liquid cartilage is an image-guided injectable collagen scaffold for carefully selected focal cartilage defects, not established osteoarthritis. Its role is to support joint preservation in the hip, knee and ankle while keeping microfracture, MACI and eventually fusion or replacement as the main options for advanced disease.
PRP knee injections tend to improve pain and function over 1–6 months rather than days, while ankle MFAT or Lipogems injections have only case-level evidence and suit mainly organised joints without major malalignment, collapse or unstable cartilage defects.
Night-time hip ache after load, an ankle that flares after sprains, and early knee osteoarthritis are usually mechanical problems rather than signs of cancer. Fewer than 20% of early knees worsen over 2–5 years, symptomatic primary ankle osteoarthritis is uncommon, and hip scans need clinical context because labral tears often appear in pain-free people.
